Review of Canadian, Outaouais and Rideau Arcott breeds of sheep: 2. Crossbreeding, registration and subsequent release to the Canadian sheep industry

Abstract

Lamb productivity of various purebreds and crossbreds were evaluated at the Centre for Food and Animal Research (formerly Animal Research Centre). Breeds included one newly developed synthetic sire and two dam strains of sheep (Arcott breeds) selected for growth and reproduction, and the Suffolk and Finnsheep. Crossbreds consisted of single crosses between the two dam strains, and three-breed cross lambs sired by either the synthetic sire strain or Suffolk breed. In a controlled environment, ewes lambed at 4-month intervals in 8-month breeding cycles while lambs were raised artificially from birth on milk replacer and high-energy diets formulated to meet nutrient requirements according to stage of production. In a semi-intensive management system, ewes lambed in 12-month breeding cycles while lambs were raised with their dams, similar to the management prevailing in a number of farm flocks across Canada. Research results demonstrated considerable promise for increased growth and reproductive performance in the newly developed synthetic strains and their crosses. Concurrently, at the University of Manitoba, one synthetic dam strain and the Suffolk breed, their crosses, and three-breed cross lambs sired by either the synthetic sire strain or the Hampshire breed were evaluated. This occurred under conditions of semi-intensive management in 8-month breeding cycles following accelerated lambing procedures widely accepted by the Canadian sheep industry where the lambs are raised with their dam. Furthermore, studies at the University of Minnesota demonstrated potential genetic merit for milking ability in the two dam strains and their crosses when these were compared to North American sheep breeds. There was agreement that sheep breeders across Canada were to be given an opportunity to benefit from the release of the Arcott breeds. In 1989, the three synthetic strains were registered as new Canadian sheep breeds (one sire strain, the Canadian Arcott, and two dam strains, the Outaouais and Rideau Arcotts) and subsequently released. Since then, these sheep have been adapting to a wide variety of management and environmental conditions in Canada to the benefit of the sheep industry. The Canadian Arcott has demonstrated genetic merit as a meat-type terminal sire breed. The Rideau Arcott, a fecund-type dam breed with superior milking ability, has been well accepted by breeders and is presently the second highest for number of sheep registered in Canada. In contrast, the Outaouais Arcott, a fecund-type dam breed, has not achieved popularity.